Binge-watching might actually be good for your brain, new research says

"But if you're worried all that screen time is frying your brain, a new study from the University of Georgia suggests otherwise. Researchers found that when people watch or read stories in long, uninterrupted stretches, it can help them "recover from daily stressors." That's because binge-watchers often revisit stories afterward in their thoughts, engaging through daydreams, imagination, and fantasy. Researchers call this "retrospective imaginative involvement." Binge reading showed similar, though slightly smaller, effects."

""People who have that habit of binge-watching shows often aren't doing it passively but are actually actively thinking about it afterwards," said Joshua Baldwin, lead author of the study published in Acta Psychologica and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Georgia, in a statement. "They're very much wanting to engage with stories, even when they're not around to watch shows." By dwelling on those satisfying story elements, it offers "a way to cope with daily stressors and increase well-being.""

"By dwelling on those satisfying story elements, it offers "a way to cope with daily stressors and increase well-being." Baldwin explained that humans are wired for stories. Narratives, he said, serve an important role in meeting our needs, whether it's the drive to connect with others, feel independent and capable, or find a sense of comfort and security. "Stories have characters that fulfill these roles, and we can satisfy those needs through them," he said."

Watching or reading stories in long, uninterrupted stretches helps people recover from daily stressors by promoting retrospective imaginative involvement. People who binge revisit stories afterward through daydreams, imagination, and fantasy, actively engaging with narrative elements outside of viewing time. Revisiting satisfying story elements provides coping mechanisms and can increase well-being. Humans are wired for stories; narratives can fulfill needs to connect with others, feel independent and capable, and find comfort and security. Streaming platforms release entire seasons at once and end episodes on cliffhangers, which encourages marathon viewing and repeated mental engagement. Average streaming time in the U.S. is about 21 hours per week.

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